Ballmer Group names Detroit executive director

The Ballmer Group has chosen Kylee Mitchell as the executive director for its new Detroit office.

Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, announced the selection of Mitchell in a letter sent to nonprofit and government partners and obtained Tuesday by Crain's.

Mitchell, 38, most recently served as Detroit market senior director for the Columbia, Md.-based nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners.

The native Detroiter is expected to transition to her new job by the start of next year, Ballmer spokeswoman Christine Heenan said in an email.

The news of the foundation's Detroit office's impending opening was first announced in August in a job posting for the top position. Hiring Mitchell was the first step; more on the office's location and opening date are yet to be released, Heenan said.

Mitchell will work with the Bellevue, Wash.-based foundation's leadership to develop a local strategy, according to the letter signed by Connie and Steve Ballmer.

"I'm excited to join Steve, Connie and Ballmer Group's team in making a difference in the great city of Detroit, and partnering with government, nonprofits, and the private sector to create new paths to opportunity for our young people and their families," Mitchell said in an emailed statement.

The new leader will be charged with developing and managing a multimillion-dollar budget for Detroit grants and initiatives, Crain's reported when the office opening was first announced.

"We are particularly interested in supporting the promising neighborhood-based work underway in the city, as well as identifying critical organizations and infrastructure needs to make progress on economic mobility," the Ballmers wrote in the letter obtained Tuesday.

Randell Walton Photography

Former Microsoft CEO and Detroit native Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie Ballmer.

They said they selected Mitchell for her commitment to addressing challenges in Detroit neighborhoods, investment portfolio management experience and overall "impressive resume."

The Ballmer Group supports organizations and programs aimed at helping U.S. children and families rise out of poverty and build a better life.

Mitchell launched the Detroit office of Enterprise Community Partners, a national nonprofit that helps low- and moderate-income people find affordable housing and supports poverty alleviation efforts.

"Kylee is an ideal fit to lead the Ballmer Group in Detroit, thanks to her remarkable dedication and success combating poverty in the city and beyond," Terri Ludwig, president and CEO of Enterprise Community Partners, said in an emailed statement. "Under her leadership, Enterprise has driven transformational change in Detroit communities."

Ludwig referenced Enterprises' collaboration with DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital on development in northwest Detroit and work rehabilitating houses in the city's Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood.

Mitchell also previously served as an associate director for the city of Detroit, working with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants, and as a program officer for United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Mitchell attended Cass Technical High School, according to her LinkedIn profile. She attended Davenport University for a bachelor of business administration degree and City University of New York City College for a master's in public affairs, government relations and behavioral economics.

She also participated in the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University.

"We are certain that (Mitchell) has the innovative spirit to find new and creative ways to serve Detroit, and she shares our belief in the power of this community to drive systems-level changes that improve the lives of children and families," the Ballmers wrote.